Milwaukee in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Machine Shop of the World

By Gordon Govier, July 3, 2015

1. The Machine Shop of the World Marker

Inscription. In the early 1900s, Milwaukee was the "Machine Shop of the World" and the Menomonee Valley was its engine. Farm machinery, rail cars, electric motors and cranes were all made in the Valley. Clay became cream city bricks. Wheat was turned into flour, hogs became ham and barley became beer. Cattle were made into meat, leather and tallow (soap and candles) with no parts wasted.

In the early 1900s, six companies hired nearly 75% of all African-American workers in Milwaukee: Plankinton Packing, Albert Trostel leather, Pfister-Vogel Tannery, Allis Chalmers, Falk Corporation and Milwaukee Solvay Coke and Gas Co. Half of these were located in the Menomonee Valley but only one remains today.

Erected by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Menomonee Valley Partners, Inc., the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Location. 43° 1.488′ N, 87° 57.556′ W. Marker is in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in Milwaukee County. Marker is on Canal Street 0.1 miles east of Selig Drive, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Milwaukee WI 53214, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Milwaukee Road Shops (approx.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on July 4, 2015, by Gordon Govier of Monona, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 189 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on July 4, 2015, by Gordon Govier of Monona, Wisconsin. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.